Sandwell’s garden bin collections will begin between Monday 15 and Friday 26 March this year, slightly later than usual.
Sandwell Council, along with its environmental services partner Serco, have delayed the return of garden waste collections in order to prioritise household waste and recycling collections which have seen a reduction in staff numbers due to Covid-19 related staff absences.
Residents’ first collection date will depend on the schedule for the area and bin dates will be available at www.sandwell.gov.uk/binday from Saturday 13 March.
Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader for Sandwell Council, said: “The crews have been doing an amazing job during the Covid-19 pandemic which has had a major impact on Sandwell and our region. We have taken the decision, along with our environmental partners Serco, to delay the start of garden waste collections.
“There is always little garden waste to collect in February and taking in consideration the impact of Covid-19 on crews, this will give our waste service the time to catch up on household waste and recycling collections during this difficult time.
“We are still starting sooner than some of our neighbouring boroughs who also deliver a free garden waste service.”
“Crews will work to empty garden bins on people’s usual collection day. However, with constant challenges faced with Covid-19 staff related absences, there may be instances where other waste and recycling services will be prioritised, which could cause delays to collections. If the garden waste bins in your road aren’t collected on your scheduled day, they should be left out until they are emptied. The crews will get to them as soon as they possibly can.”
Residents are reminded that garden waste can be stored in garden waste bins until collections restart or taken to the tip in Oldbury. Alternatively, it can be placed on your compost heap or bagged up until collections begin. If you plan on going to the tip, you need to book an appointment via our website.
People can find more advice and information on garden waste, including tips on what you can and can’t put in your garden waste bin, at our website. And for
Visit our website for advice on composting.
What to put in your garden waste bin:
- grass cuttings
- hedge and shrub clippings
- plants and weeds
- leaves, twigs and bark
- cut flowers
- windfalls
What not to put in (these items won’t be collected):
- soil, pot plant compost, turf, ash or garden chemicals
- plastic (including plastic bags, bin liners, carrier bags or plant pots)
- food or kitchen waste (including raw or cooked food)
- stones or rubble
- DIY rubbish, timber or sawdust
- animal waste or bedding
- metal or glass.
We can’t empty your garden waste bin if it:
- contains items that can’t be composted
- contains any bags – garden waste must be loose and not in bags
- is too full for the lid to close
- is too heavy or too full to empty safely.
